Curve Update – Make it or Break It?

About 2 weeks ago, I wrote a small “signup now or regret later” piece on Curve. At the time, the belief was that US version of Curve would have similar features to the UK version and alike the UK version, US Curve would also be a debit card. However, after carefully reading through the T&C it was clear that Curve in US was launching as a credit card.

I recently asked Curve about that and a little bit more so here are some cliff notes in regards to US Curve:

1. Confirmed to be a credit card.
2. There will be an option to get loan from Curve if the underlying card is declined.
3. Anti-embarrassment mode is available (if one card is declined Curve can use another)
4. go back in time feature will be available (very very cool feature IMO; see previous post for detail)
5. 0 fx fee (neat thing; see previous post for detail)
6. Curve Spend will not be included in Beta launch (meh; see previous post for detail)
7. No multiple subscription levels in the beta launch. However, tired product may be offered in the future.
8. 1% cashback for 6 months for all those who join the waitlist.
9. I asked if there is a cap in cashback earning but it was unanswered. No cap has been confirmed.
10. Looks like no signup bonus is planned at the moment.
11. The card will be Mastercard World Elite.
12. In the future users will be allowed to automatically charge whichever underlying card gives them the best rewards based on merchant category. This means, one can can automatically be charged when you swipe Curve at a restaurant while another can be automatically charged at a gas station.
13. After beta Curve plans to offer tiered products where users will be able to extend their cashback indefinitely.
14. In the future, Curve plans to have referral incentives include cashback.  

Closing Thoughts

#8 would be nice if there is no cap. #12 and #13 is something to look forward to.